Minding your Business

Socially-engaged Buddhism positions mindfulness as a way of caring for oneself and others in the pursuit of systemic change. COURTESY OF ROB WALSH CC www.robwalshmedia.com

Shebonti Khandaker of The Varsity recently sat down with Professor Elli Weisbaum of Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health to explore the growing popularity of mindfulness meditation, it’s roots in Buddhist practice, and how mindfulness fosters personal well-being and systemic change. Professor Weisbaum shares practical insights on incorporating mindfulness into daily life and its neurobiological benefits.

A Conversation with mindfulness researcher Elli Weisbaum

From its seat at the confluence of science and spirituality, mindfulness meditation has grown exponentially popular lately. We’re told that it can make us happier, kinder, and sharper people — but what does ‘mindfulness’ even mean, and what can it teach us about how to better live our lives?

I sat down with Professor Elli Weisbaum from U of T’s Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health department to answer these questions. Trained in Vietnamese monk and Zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh’s tradition of socially-engaged Buddhism since teenagehood,Weisbaum currently researches mindfulness interventions in healthcare.

As we discussed her work, I was struck by the nature of her gaze. Both piercing and placid, Professor Weisbaum’s eyes somehow looked at, into, and through me, but always accompanied by a genuine warmth suffusing her smile.

Shebonti Khandaker, The Varsity: Despite the excitement around mindfulness, its definition is contested and most people don’t quite know how it works. Could you tell us about that?

Elli Weisbaum: The concepts of mindfulness are rooted across many cultures and can’t be attributed to any one entity, but my work draws upon teachings grounded in Buddhist practice. Although there are many definitions, I like the description of mindfulness as an observational awareness of our present experiences.

In terms of the ‘how,’ mindfulness is evidenced to cause structural and functional changes in your brain. I share this phrase in classes: “where attention goes, neural firing flows and connection grows.” It’s like mental fitness: the same way different gym exercises train certain muscles, mindfulness — purposefully directing attention somewhere — strengthens certain brain areas. So if someone’s interested in growing more compassionate, evidence for Loving-Kindness meditation shows practical ways to do that!

TV: What is the present-day imperative for mindfulness? More than ever, why are people interested now?

EW: We’re facing a polycrisis of climate change and mental health challenges. There’s a sense of despair that comes from this, but I find hope in the wider recognition of the importance of mental wellbeing. This awareness also motivates interest in the intersection between mental and planetary health: we see more than ever that our systems are connected.

TV: Critics of contemporary mindfulness often highlight its divorce from its Buddhist origins. Some say meditation is impoverished by its removal from ethical imperatives to be loving toward all living things. Can you speak to the necessity for an ethical framework in meditation practice?

EW: From my understanding of Buddhist history; compassion and kindness are core to the practice. If I’m meditating but berate myself for messing up, I’m not activating the neural mechanisms of mindfulness. From a research perspective, these compassionate attitudes are necessary for the benefits of mindfulness like stress reduction.

The cool thing is, studies indicate that caring for ourselves changes how we engage with the world. Nobody exists in isolation; our actions impact ourselves and the world around us. So if you feel overwhelmed right now, care for yourself. Self care is enough already — but what does that allow you to do in the world?

Check out the full article, Minding Your Business: A Conversation with Elli Weisbaum, originally published by The Varsity on November 18, 2024.